COVID-19 Response Updates

6/3/20 – 3:30 pm UPDATED List of Agency Cancellations

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, these partner agencies have temporarily suspended services. If you are affected by these cancellations and in need of food, please call the Food Line phone number at (814) 459-3663 x 117 or call toll free 1-800-604-9186. An Agency Relations representative will return your call as soon as possible with alternative options. We apologize for the inconvenience.

HOLY TRINITY FOOD PANTRY AND SOUP KITCHEN IN ERIE

JFK KID’S CAFE-ERIE

ST. PAUL’S ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH IN ERIE WILL RE-OPEN ON TUESDAY, JUNE 9TH

Thank you to everyone who made a donation toward the Warren Gives campaign. Your generosity helps us feed our neighbors in need in Warren County. Thank you to the Community Foundation of Warren County for their prorated match of each donation.

Today is Warren Gives Day! Visit warrengives.org now through 10 pm tonight to give and The Community Foundation of Warren County will provide a prorated match to your donation. Your gift, added to your neighbors gifts and their neighbors gift allows us to provide food to Warren County residents facing difficult times.

Due to the COVID-19 crisis, the 2020 Highmark Walk will be a virtual walk! A virtual walk is a real walk, on your terms! Now- June 30th you choose how and when you walk (treadmill, park, or around the neighborhood) Visit walkforahealthycommunity.org to learn more & make a donation!

Meet Linda, Second Harvest’s SNAP Outreach Coordinator! If you or someone you know is in need of food assistance and have questions about SNAP benefits contact Linda at (814) 459-3663 x 118 or lkessler@nwpafoodbank.org

A quick reminder of the changes made to our no touch, drive-thru Produce Express distributions. Due to concerns regarding the COVID-19 virus,

1. Our staff will only load food items into your trunk, and not inside your vehicle, so please keep your trunk as empty and clean as possible.
2. We encourage as few people inside a vehicle as possible.
3. Everyone inside the vehicle MUST be wearing a mask or face covering during the distribution. If you are not wearing a mask, you will be asked to load your own vehicle.
4. Social distancing, and the overall safety of our staff, volunteers and clients, is paramount during these difficult times.

We thank you in advance for your understanding, and we apologize for any inconvenience these changes may cause

The 2020 Highmark Walk for a Healthy Community will be an online only virtual walk and fundraiser. This year’s virtual walk is a real walk, but it’s on your terms! Today through June 30th, you choose how and when you walk (treadmill, park or trail, or around the neighborhood) it’s your choice! Just remember to be safe and still practice social distancing. For more information and to donate visit walkforahealthycommunity.org/whc3/locations/erie.shtml

Our Backpack program provides kids like Ava with nutritious, child-friendly food when other resources, such as school lunches and after-school meals are not available. Please contact Child Nutrition Coordinator Heather Filson (814) 459-3663 X116 with any questions regarding Second Harvest’s Backpack program.

Throw back to last year’s National Association of Letter Carries Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive. This year’s food drive has been postponed due to COIVD-19. A new date has not yet been scheduled. We will update you as the situation changes. As always, thank you for your support!

Families all over Pennsylvania are seeing the effects of COVID-19. We encourage those in need of food assistance to contact our SNAP Out Reach Coordinator, Linda Kessler at (814) 459-3663 x118 and she will guide you through your application and answer any questions you may have.

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, these partner agencies have temporarily suspended services. If you are affected by these cancellations and in need of food, please call the Food Line phone number at (814) 459-3663 x 117 or call toll free 1-800-604-9186. An Agency Relations representative will return your call as soon as possible with alternative options. We apologize for the inconvenience.

Early Connections (Erie)

Kane Area Community Center (Kane)

Knox Food Pantry (Knox)

JFK Kid’s Café (Erie)

St. Patrick’s; taking emergency calls only! (Franklin)

St. Elizabeth of Hungary; cancelling distribution on April 14th (Smethport)

St. Paul’s Roman Catholic Church (Erie)

Holy Trinity Lutheran Church; pantry and soup kitchen (Erie)

Salvation Army; still holding a drive-thru distribution for the Senior Box Program. (Bradford)

Its National Super Hero Day! Today we celebrate our Second Harvest Staff as well as essential employees everywhere for all of their hard work and dedication to serving people throughout the COVID-19 crisis. Thank you!

To our volunteers: We will never be able to fully express the amount of thanks we have for the years of selfless service you provide to Second Harvest and the Erie community. We cant’t wait to have you back again soon!

The Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest Pennsylvania and Erie News Now are teaming up with local musicians to bring food to those who need it most during the COVID-19 pandemic. Join us tomorrow, Friday, April 24 from 7 to 8:00 p.m. on WICU as Erie-area artists perform live from their homes for the Fill the Food Bank fundraiser. As you enjoy the music, please consider making a donation to Second Harvest. For every $1 donated, Second Harvest is able to provide up to 6 meals to our neighbors in need.

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, these partner agencies have temporarily suspended services. If you are affected by these cancellations and in need of food, please call the Food Line phone number at (814) 459-3663 x 117 or call toll free 1-800-604-9186. An Agency Relations representative will return your call as soon as possible with alternative options. We apologize for the inconvenience.

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, these partner agencies have temporarily suspended services. If you are affected by these cancellations and in need of food, please call the Food Line phone number at (814) 459-3663 x 117 or call toll free 1-800-604-9186. An Agency Relations representative will return your call as soon as possible with alternative options. We apologize for the inconvenience.

Living Bread Ministries in Clearfield County is now open

JFK Kid’s Café, Erie, closed

Kane Area Community Center, Kane, PA closed

Knox Food Pantry, Knox, PA closed

St. Paul’s Roman Catholic Church, Erie, closed

Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Erie – Pantry and Soup Kitchen, closed

Salvation Army, Bradford (except they will be doing a drive-thru distribution for CSFP.)

Gateway Tower Apartments/DuBois is closed (CSFP)

Crosstown Punxy, Punxatawney, closed

Sacred Heart- cancelling weekly distribution but continuing to be a hub for emergencies

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, these partner agencies have temporarily suspended services. If you are affected by these cancellations and in need of food, please call the Food Line phone number at (814) 459-3663 x 117 or call toll free 1-800-604-9186. An Agency Relations representative will return your call as soon as possible with alternative options. We apologize for the inconvenience.

St. Patrick’s, Franklin will be open for drive-thru distribution Saturday, April 18th

4/9/20 – 1 pm Second Harvest Continues to Offer Support to those in Erie County Affected by the COVID-19 Crisis.

Erie, Pa., April 7, 2020 – The Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest Pennsylvania continues to amplify its efforts in Erie County to provide hunger relief during the COVID-19 crisis. Adjustments are being made daily to update operations in accordance with health and safety recommendations. Each step taken by Second Harvest is done to keep clients, member agencies and staff safe from the spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) while also meeting the increased requests for food assistance.

Second Harvest and its network of member food pantries, soup kitchens and shelters remain open to help those in need of food. If you or someone you know needs assistance and resides within Erie County, please call the Second Harvest Emergency Food Line at (814) 459-3663 x 117, call toll free 1-800-604-9186 or visit the agency locator at https://www.nwpafoodbank.org/agency-locator/ to receive support.

“We have seen a significant increase of households being served in the month of March, which is reflective of the challenges many are facing during the COVID-19 crisis” says Karen S. Seggi, Second Harvest CEO. “We continue to answer these calls for help by acquiring and distributing additional food to meet the needs of our communities.”

A gift from the Erie County Gaming Revenue Authority (ECGRA) has enabled Second Harvest to provide an increased supply of food through its network of member agencies. “In times of great crisis, a community is tested to support its most vulnerable citizens,” says Perry Wood, Executive Director at ECGRA. “The ECGRA grant to Second Harvest will allow Second Harvest to increase their supplies and effective distribution to Erie County pantries and member agencies.”

The Erie Community Foundation has also aided Second Harvest in its response efforts. According to Mike Batchelor, President of The Erie Community Foundation, “on March 20th, in order to address the impact of COVID-19 on our most vulnerable, The Erie Community Foundation and our partners (Erie Insurance, United Way of Erie County, Hamot Health Foundation, Highmark/AHN Saint Vincent, National Fuel Gas Company Foundation, PNC Foundation, Housing Authority of the City of Erie, Erie Women’s Fund, and Greater Erie Economic Development Corporation) launched the COVID-19 Rapid Response Fund. Within two weeks the Fund raised and awarded close to $700,000 to provide food to those in need, administer care of our children, serve the elderly and disabled, and stem the tide of homelessness.”

While the situation with COVID-19 is ever-changing, Second Harvest’s response remains consistent. Second Harvest offers thanks to community members across the county whose generous support allows us to provide food for our neighbors in need.

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, these partner agencies have temporarily suspended services. If you are affected by these cancellations and in need of food, please call the Food Line phone number at (814) 459-3663 x 117 or call toll free 1-800-604-9186. An Agency Relations representative will return your call as soon as possible with alternative options. We apologize for the inconvenience.

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, these partner agencies have temporarily suspended services. If you are affected by these cancellations and in need of food, please call the Food Line phone number at (814) 459-3663 x 117 or call toll free 1-800-604-9186. An Agency Relations representative will return your call as soon as possible with alternative options. We apologize for the inconvenience.

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, these partner agencies have temporarily suspended services. If you are affected by these cancellations and in need of food, please call the Food Line phone number at (814) 459-3663 x 117 or call toll free 1-800-604-9186. An Agency Relations representative will return your call as soon as possible with alternative options. We apologize for the inconvenience.

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, these partner agencies have temporarily suspended services. If you are affected by these cancellations and in need of food, please call the Food Line phone number at (814) 459-3663 x 117 or call toll free 1-800-604-9186. An Agency Relations representative will return your call as soon as possible with alternative options. We apologize for the inconvenience.

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, these partner agencies have temporarily suspended services. If you are affected by these cancellations and in need of food, please call the Food Line phone number at (814) 459-3663 x 117 or call toll free 1-800-604-9186. An Agency Relations representative will return your call as soon as possible with alternative options. We apologize for the inconvenience.

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, these partner agencies have temporarily suspended services. If you are affected by these cancellations and in need of food, please call the Food Line phone number at (814) 459-3663 x 117 or call toll free 1-800-604-9186. An Agency Relations representative will return your call as soon as possible with alternative options. We apologize for the inconvenience.

Kane Area Community Center

Knox Food Pantry

JFK Kid’s Café

JFK CSFP

St. Paul’s Roman Catholic Church

St. Patrick’s Church in Franklin (cancelling regular distribution but keeping food delivery for emergency calls)

St. Elizabeth of Hungary, JIT-Smethport- cancelling distribution on April 14th

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, these partner agencies have temporarily suspended services. If you are affected by these cancellations and in need of food, please call the Food Line phone number at (814) 459-3663 x 117 or call toll free 1-800-604-9186. An Agency Relations representative will return your call as soon as possible with alternative options. We apologize for the inconvenience.

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, some Produce Express distributions have been canceled. If you are affected by these cancellations and in need of food, please call the Food Line phone number at (814) 459-3663 x 117 or call toll free 1-800-604-9186. A representative will return your call as soon as possible with alternative options. We apologize for the inconvenience.

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, these partner agencies have temporarily suspended services. If you are affected by these cancellations and in need of food, please call the Food Line phone number at (814) 459-3663 x 117 or call toll free 1-800-604-9186. An Agency Relations representative will return your call as soon as possible with alternative options. We apologize for the inconvenience.

The Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest Pennsylvania is continuing our efforts to serve those in need within our 11 county service area. We are supporting our member agencies with changes in distribution methods that follow safety protocols suggested by the Erie County Health Department and the CDC to mitigate the risk of the spread of illness. Second Harvest is continuing to monitor the situation closely and taking necessary precautions to help make sure that food and product remains safe and that our distributions and volunteer activities can continue.

Below, are answers to questions regarding COVID-19 (the Coronavirus) and Second Harvest.

1. Is Second Harvest still open and continuing its daily operations?

Yes, we are still open and continuing our operations to help feed those in need.

2. Is Second Harvest closing any pantries or canceling food distributions due to COVID-19?

Yes, Agencies and distributions are being canceled across our 11 counties. Check this page as well as our social media accounts daily for an updated list of closures and cancellations.

3. Is Second Harvest providing assistance to individuals affected by the COVID-19 pandemic?

Yes, according to Feeding America’s most recent Map the Meal Gap study shows that more than 91,000 individuals living in northwest Pennsylvania are food insecure. Due to the current situation involving COVID-19, Second Harvest expects to see an increased need throughout the region. In order to fulfill this increased need for food assistance, Second Harvest will pack and distribute Emergency Relief Food Boxes through specific partners throughout our 11-county service area.

4. What is Second Harvest doing to reduce contact and/or the spread COVID-19?

Second Harvest is committed to the safety of our staff, volunteers and visitors. We are closely monitoring announcements from the Erie County Health Department and the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) to ensure that we are following their recommended guidelines. We are implementing the following steps to help reduce contact and/or spread of COVID-19 at our facility.

Providing gloves to all volunteers handling food at our warehouses

Making hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes, and disinfecting spray available throughout our office and warehouse

Increasing the visibility and importance of hand washing in the restrooms and throughout the facility

Recommending people avoid touching their face as much as possible

Recommending people practice social distancing by staying 6 feet apart from each other

Recommending staff, clients, volunteers and donors to stay away from work, school or other people if they become sick

5. Can I donate Food as Part of a Food Drive to Second Harvest During the COVID-19 Pandemic?

For more information on COVID-19, please visit the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. This page will be updated as new information is received and we will adjust towards the best interest of all we serve, and those that serve with us.

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, some Produce Express distributions have been canceled. If you are affected by these cancellations and in need of food, please call the Food Line phone number at (814) 459-3663 x 117 or call toll free 1-800-604-9186. A representative will return your call as soon as possible with alternative options. We apologize for the inconvenience.

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, these partner agencies have temporarily suspended services. If you are affected by these cancellations and in need of food, please call the Food Line phone number at (814) 459-3663 x 117 or call toll free 1-800-604-9186. An Agency Relations representative will return your call as soon as possible with alternative options. We apologize for the inconvenience.

The Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest Pennsylvania is working to maintain a high level of food relief service across our 11 county network. As we do this, our main priority is to employ steps that keep our clients, volunteers, donors and staff safe from the spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus).

A COVID-19 planning committee consisting of leadership from across the Second Harvest organization meets daily to develop action plans to make progress in each department. Second Harvest is committed to sharing those efforts and will continue to provide information regarding all areas of the organization through a variety of communication channels including website updates, email correspondence, social media posts and media releases.

Second Harvest continues to rely on information gathered from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Pennsylvania Department of Health for recommendations to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Daily conference calls are being held with Feeding Pennsylvania, Hunger Free Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture and other government officials to share situation updates. We also are working through our network of Feeding America colleagues from 200 food banks across the country to stay on top of developments and measures at the national level.

Based on the guidance we continue to receive, and an abundance of caution, Second Harvest is taking actions on the following items for the foreseeable future:

Clients / Community Members in Need of Food

Second Harvest understands that there are currently 91,490 individuals in the 11 counties of northwest Pennsylvania – of which, 28,340 are children under the age of 18 – who are considered food insecure. Of those individuals, 39,000 reside in Erie County. We anticipate this number to rise as the COVID-19 crisis deepens. If you or someone you know is in need of food, we encourage you to please use the agency locator online at nwpafoodbank.org/need-help/agency-locator/ or call our food line at 814 459 3663 x 117.

Mobile Food Pantry distributions are being modified to closely follow social distancing recommendations offered by the CDC. In some instances, this may lead to the temporary suspension of a mobile distribution. Second Harvest continues to work on contingencies for those individuals affected by the temporary halting of a local food distribution.

Child Feeding Programs – Including the BackPack Program and School Pantry Program

The Second Harvest program manager and coordinator are working with school districts in our service area to continue the BackPack and School Pantry programs while schools are no longer in session.

Senior Box Program

Senior boxes continue to be delivered to recipients.

Volunteer Operations

At this time, a small number of volunteers are needed to help with specific projects.

Volunteer operations are being modified to ensure safe social distancing. The emphasis on extra health and safety measures requires limiting the number of volunteers per shift as well as instituting new project guidelines, including the use of disposable protective gloves.

Community Need / Donors / Events

Second Harvest is discouraging the community from conducting food drives. Instead, donors are being asked to conduct virtual food drives or send a monetary contribution to keep our shelves filled in the next couple of weeks.

The Empty Bowls fundraiser, scheduled for March 28th, is postponed until a later date to be determined.

Second Harvest asks for continued community support as we amplify our efforts in northwest Pennsylvania. We play a central and vital role in food distribution but require the assistance of donors and volunteers to provide these services. We are grateful for the community support that is received.